Los Angeles Criminal Attorney Blog

According to the Los Angeles Times, a 22-year-old man faces three counts of capital murder after a pregnant Venice woman was fatally stabbed. The 38-year-old woman, and the twins whom she was pregnant with, were killed during a robbery. The suspect accused of the murder has also been charged with rape.

According to the report, while the suspect does have a history of burglary and trespassing, there was never any indication that he was predisposed to the violence found to have taken place in the Venice slaying. In any Los Angeles murder case, it is vital that all details of the incident are carefully examined in order to determine as accurately as possible the events that transpired. The suspect has pled not guilty to all charges, and police investigation is still ongoing.

Continue reading "Man Faces Multiple Murder Charges in Slaying of Pregnant Venice Woman" »

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , Murder/Homicide , Violent Crimes

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The boyfriend of a slain 24-year-old Reseda woman has been charged with her murder. According to an abclocal.go.com article, the 30-year-old East Los Angeles man allegedly had an altercation with the woman on December 20, 2009, which reportedly ended with the woman being repeatedly stabbed with an ice pick. The boyfriend now faces one charge of murder with a deadly and dangerous weapon. If convicted, he faces a maximum prison term of 26 years-to-life, and is currently in custody on $1 million bail.

The story explains that the woman’s body was discovered the following day in Winnetka. The woman’s brother reportedly found the woman’s body in her car. There was no mention of whether or not eyewitnesses saw the accused man place the woman’s body in the car, nor was there mention of whether or not the man was seen near the location where her body was discovered. Police investigation into the matter will undoubtedly provide more details as to the events that transpired that night.

Continue reading "East LA Man Charged in Murder of Reseda Woman" »

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , Murder/Homicide , Violent Crimes

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In 2008, the number of hate crimes nationwide dropped. However, the Santa Clarita Valley actually experienced a slight increase in such crimes, with the number of reported incidents increasing from 27 to 30. According to the-signal.com, the increase in hate crimes has come at the heels of a decrease in the number of violent and other more common crimes. Compared to other county areas, Santa Clarita’s hate crime numbers are still relatively low, although current numbers are more than twice what they were in 2004. From 2007 to 2008, the Santa Clarita Valley saw an 11% increase in hate crimes, according to the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations. Neighboring Los Angeles County meanwhile saw a 4% decrease in its number of hate crimes, although it still reported 729 hate crimes in 2008; a far cry from Santa Clarita County’s mere 30 incidents.

According to a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy, the number of hate crimes “is increasing every year.” Hate crimes mostly center-around sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, or religious beliefs. The degree and severity of a hate crime can vary greatly, with crimes ranging from simple acts of vandalism to more serious instances of assault. Consequently, charges associated with hate crimes can also vary. However, regardless of the crime, all details need to be thoroughly examined in order to determine as accurately as possible what actually happened.

Continue reading "Slight Rise in 2008 Santa Clarita Hate Crimes" »

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , Law & Information , Violent Crimes

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According to an article in L.A. Weekly, a Los Angeles serial killer dubbed the “Grim Sleeper” has resurfaced over the past few years, rekindling his propensity for murder that originally began in 1985.

Reportedly, a composite drawing of the male suspect, as well as vehicle descriptions, have been re-released by the LAPD, in hopes that it might spark some clue as to the man’s identity. Police have been investigating the slayings for over two decades, and have connected both DNA and ballistics evidence to a slew of killings that have taken place over the years.The Los Angeles City Council has offered a reward of $500,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the man.

Continue reading "Grim Sleeper Resurfaces in Los Angeles After Years of Dormancy" »

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , Murder/Homicide , Violent Crimes

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The Los Angeles Times recently reported that a 28-year-old man’s request to have his death sentence removed was denied by a Los Angeles Superior Court Judge. The man was convicted for the murders of two past girlfriends, the second of which occurred because the second victim, the man’s girlfriend at the time, refused to help him cover up the murder of his first girlfriend. The judge labeled that man as “coldblooded” as he denied him a reduction in his prison sentence.

Allegedly, the convicted man was motivated by jealousy in the first slaying. The second slaying apparently occurred simply because the victim refused to assist in covering up the first murder. According to the report, the man’s defense attorney argued that the man was mentally retarded, suffered damage from his mother drinking alcohol while pregnant, and was a habitual cocaine user since the age of 11. The judge however dismissed the arguments, citing the man as “cunning” and quite capable of having committed the murders while knowing what he was doing.

Continue reading "Man Convicted of Murder in L.A. Has Appeal Denied" »

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Adolescents are very impressionable. Unfortunately, the media realizes this very notion, yet fails to monitor materials that profess concepts that may be misconstrued by some young minds. According to the Los Angeles Times, one such incident in Calabasas was emblematic of this very idea. Reportedly, middle school students acted upon a request sent out via a Facebook message. The message declared that it was “Kick a Ginger Day” (with “Ginger” being a term in reference to those individuals with red hair, freckles, and fair skin). The concept was proliferated by the animated, adult-humored television comedy “South Park.”

While the TV episode’s supposed intention was to depict the irrationality of discrimination, its message was clearly taken quite literally. Reportedly however, the injuries sustained by the 12-year-old boy were not severe. In fact, a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Lieutenant declared that the incident did not meet the criteria of a hate crime, which many angered individuals had labeled it. It should be noted that police are investigating whether or not assault with a deadly weapon took place.

Continue reading "Ginger Kicking in Calabasas Not Deemed Hate Crime" »

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , Juvenile Crimes , Violent Crimes

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The Los Angeles Times recently reported that the Los Angeles Police Department and federal authorities teamed up in a raid that targeted a Los Angeles street gang responsible for crimes ranging from assault to drug charges to murder. The street gang in question calls multiple cities and areas in the Los Angeles area its home, has affiliations with prison gangs, and has a long history of committing violent acts against those whom they consider outsiders. The raid involved the detainment and arrest of a large number of individuals for a wide variety of charges. In such matters, it is important to remember that simply because an individual is grouped together with other such individuals being accused of crimes, it is not an automatic determination that all individuals are in fact guilty of said crimes.

Raids of supposed criminal organizations can be especially problematic in a court of law. That is, while some individuals may in fact be guilty of the infractions of which they are accused, other individuals may simply be innocent bystanders having been lumped together with other, more serious offenders. With drug crimes especially, the lines between guilt and innocence are often blurred, and charges are often blanketed over a group of individuals, even if all of those individuals are not in fact guilty of the alleged charges. In any event, it is vital that the services of a skilled Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer are retained in the event of your arrest.

Continue reading "Gang Member Take-Down Hits LA in Raid" »

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , Drug Crimes , Murder/Homicide , Violent Crimes

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A recent story put out by the Associated Press tells of a startling trend pertaining to homicides involving children. In Los Angeles, a woman stands accused of killing her two daughters, ages 11 and 17. In Orange County, a 5-year-old and a 3-year-old were allegedly wounded by their mother. And in Ventura County, a 12-year-old boy and his 7-year-old sister were stabbed to death allegedly by their father. In all of these cases, the serious question as to why parents are supposedly willing to hurt their children needs to be asked, and the circumstances surrounding the slayings and injuries need to be thoroughly examined to determine what exactly happened.

The Los Angeles woman has pleaded not guilty to the charges being brought against her, and faces the death penalty if she is convicted. The woman was found with self-inflicted knife wounds on her own arms. This raises the question as to what her state of mind was at the time of the incident. Did she act with a clear head or in a fit of insanity? Other questions, such as the state of the home, also need to be answered to help paint a vivid picture of what the living situation was truly like, and what negative factors, if any, could have played a detrimental role leading up to the attacks.

Continue reading "Parents Killing Children is an Alarming Trend" »

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According to Los Angeles’s KTLA-TV channel 5, the trial of a man responsible for a drunk-driving crash that took the lives of three people will be postponed for at least six months. Such a decision was determined after the private attorney defending the 22-year-old removed himself from the case, citing inability to adequately defend his client as the basis of his necessary leave. This particular case gained notoriety in that one of the crash victims was 22-year-old Nick Adenhart, a professional baseball player of the Angels. The motorist responsible for the accident now faces 54 years to life in prison if he is convicted of all counts, which include murder in the second degree and driving with a suspended license.

The former defense attorney in this case informed the presiding judge that his client was unable to afford the fees associated with providing him with the most effective defense. That is, the accused driver’s attorney explained to the judge that experts needed to properly defend the accused man were too expensive for the defendant to afford, and even motioned that county taxpayers split the bill for the necessary experts. Though the article did not say whether or not the judge granted the motion, it’s safe to assume that the motion was denied, particularly since the defense attorney has now quit the case.

Continue reading "DUI Driver Loses Lawyer, Case Postponed" »

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , DUI Defense , Murder/Homicide , Violent Crimes

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According to the Associated Press, a California man currently stands on trial for the 2000 death of his 4-year-old daughter. The young girl plummeted to her death from a 120 foot-high cliff in Rancho Palos Verdes. Speculation on the part of the prosecution claims that the father, in a wayward attempt at having to avoid paying child support, threw his daughter off the cliff. On the other hand, the defense claims that the whole incident was an accident and that the 47-year-old father loved his daughter dearly and would never do such a thing. This most recent trial is the second attempt at prosecuting the 47-year-old man, with the first attempt having resulted in a mistrial due to jury deadlock. He currently faces one count of murder and “the special circumstance allegations of murder while lying in wait and for financial gain”, which carries with it a lifetime prison sentence without the possibility of parole.

Theories abound as to what happened to the little girl, and how she lost her footing off the side of the Inspiration Point cliff. The prosecution claims that the father not only wanted to avoid paying child support for his daughter, but took her life in order to exact revenge against her mother who was seeking full custody of the child. Evidence points to the fact that there were no smaller footprints near the spot where the girl allegedly fell, and that injuries sustained by the girl were inconsistent with her accidentally falling. The defense argued that the child was leading her father on the hike, and simply lost her footing at the cliff.

While the 47-year-old man is the only person that really knows what happened, it should be pointed out that all individuals are innocent until proven guilty. A person cannot be prosecuted on pure speculation. Evidence needs to substantiate the charges being brought against the person, and a jury has to believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that the individual created the crime. With such damning allegations staring him in the face, the man’s best option was to retain the legal services of a skilled Los Angeles criminal defense attorney.

Continue reading "CA Man Accused of Pushing Child to Death" »

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According to an article from examiner.com, a Los Angeles county man was recently taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence and causing an accident. The 23-year-old man is said by police to have been the cause of the accident that involved a reported four other vehicles. Though the man was not said to have been injured in the crash, a 9-year-old girl that was a passenger in the man’s car was seriously injured and died shortly after arriving at a nearby hospital for treatment. The man now faces charges including vehicular manslaughter, DUI, and child endangerment and could use the help of an experienced Los Angeles drunk driving defense attorney.

Reportedly, the man did not notice the slow down in traffic while traveling along the Northbound I-5, and swerved to avoid the vehicles in front of him but barreled into other vehicles as a result. The crash took place at 1AM in the city of Carlsbad.

Though driving under the influence and driver inattention were the main culprits in causing this tragedy, not all accidents that occur under suspicion of DUI are the same. Dangerous road conditions, faulty auto products, and other drivers that are not accused of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol can all be the primary cause of a traffic accident. Thus, it is imperative that all details of any crash are thoroughly examined to determine exactly who was at fault so that accountability can be distributed accordingly.

Continue reading "Commerce Man Pleads Not Guilty in DUI Crash" »

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , DUI Defense , Traffic Crimes , Violent Crimes

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A recent article in The Seattle Times reported on an alarming trend that can have an impact on motorists anywhere in the country, particularly Los Angeles, where commuting via passenger car is as commonplace as taking the subway is in New York. According to the article, the number of women arrested for driving under the influence nationwide rose 28.8% higher in 2007 than it was in 1998. Interestingly enough, the number of men arrested for DUI decreased 7.5% over the same time period, indicating that woman are now more likely to engage in reckless behavior than they ever have been in the past.

Based on FBI figures relating to arrests, the state of California experienced an increase as well in the number of women driving under the influence. That is, 18.8% of all DUI arrests in California in the year 2007 involved a woman driving under the influence, while, in 1997, women only accounted for 13.5% of all DUI arrests. Numerous explanations have been given as to the reason why this deadly trend is becoming more and more prevalent across the country. Some cite that women tend to drink more at home than men do, and consequently hide their drinking problems until after an accident has occurred, at which point preventative measures to help curb the problem are too late. Others cite the current economic tide as reasoning as to why women are more likely to succumb to driving while under the influence. That is, as more and more men, and women alike, lose their jobs, there is a definite increase in pressure placed upon the shoulders of women, many of whom take on the dual roles of homemaker and financial contributor towards the well-being of the family. This added pressure, unfortunately, has led to increased drinking habits on the part of women.

Continue reading "The Number of DUI-Charged Women Rising" »

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , DUI Defense , Law & Information , Traffic Crimes , Violent Crimes

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According to The Orange County Register, an 18-year old, male from the North Tustin area was recently charged with second–degree murder for crashing his parents’ car, resulting in the loss of life of his 16-year-old, female passenger. The driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash boasting a blood alcohol content of 0.11. His female passenger, though wearing a seatbelt, died from massive, blunt-force trauma.

It was reported that the young driver had previously, the very day of the crash, in fact, been warned by a juvenile court judge that driving involved taking on a tremendous amount of responsibility. Though the driver’s friends warned him of his intoxication level, and advised against driving the vehicle, those warnings were not taken into full consideration, with the ensuing result being the crash. The driver now faces 15 years to life in prison, and will be sentenced in October 2009.

Driving under the influence can often, but not always, lead to a loss of life, but does always have a detrimental impact on those involved, regardless of the extent to which they are a part of the crash. In any event, it is important to remember that the circumstances of the case must be examined, all influences that may have lead to the incident need to be taken into consideration, and the best possible defense should always be afforded to those being charged with driving under the influence.

Continue reading "Tustin Teen Charged with Car Crash Murder" »

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , DUI Defense , Traffic Crimes , Violent Crimes

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R&B singer Chris Brown pleaded guilty to assaulting his girlfriend, pop star Rhianna, in a plea deal that his criminal defense attorneys and prosecuting attorneys reached at the last second before his domestic violence trial was set to begin.

The altercation occurred between the couple the night before the Grammy awards when Chris Brown received a text message from a former lover. After arguing in his rented Lambourghini, police found Rhianna bruised and bloodied on a Hancock Park side street.

According to the report, Brown, who is 20-years old, will be on probation for five years, attend a yearlong domestic violence prevention class and complete six months of what the judge termed "community labor" -- a more restrictive form of community service in which he will be required to perform such tasks as picking up trash or removing graffiti.

Continue reading "Singer Chris Brown Pleads Guilty To Assaulting Rhianna" »

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , Domestic Violence , Violent Crimes

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In our legal system, an indictment is a formal accusation that a person has committed a criminal offense. The LA Times online published an article about one such indictment, the document charges about 40 members and associates of the Columbia Lil Cycos -- a clique of the 18th Street gang -- with being involved in a racketeering conspiracy that allegedly involved murder, drug trafficking, money laundering, kidnapping and other crimes.

According to the indictment, the Mexican mafia, a notorious prison based organization that allegedly controls Latino street gangs were angered that a baby was killed in a botched “hit” of a street vendor. The vendor, a 37-year-old, had been refusing to pay the $50 weekly "rent" that he and others working near the corner of 6th Street and Burlington Avenue were expected to pay gang members. The gang members attempted to kill Clemente, but accidentally shot the baby.

The LA Gang involved, the 18th street gang, decided to take matters into their own hands and resolved the issue. They lured the gunmen to Mexico under the guise of hiding him from authorities, where they strangled him and left him for dead. The shooter did not die, however, and instead was picked up by police after being found in Mexico. He has since given authorities valuable information into the inner workings of the Mexican Mafia and 18th street gangs.

Continue reading "Indictment Offers Details of LA Gangs Workings" »

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , Drug Crimes , Murder/Homicide , Violent Crimes , White Collar Crime

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A well known Fresno businessman was being held in Fresno County Jail on felony domestic violence, assault with a deadly weapon and other charges. Bail was $421,000.

According to an account, the businessman had been arrested on suspicion of brutally beating a woman and holding a knife to her neck. The argument was apparently over a watch that had a value of approximately $135,000. Offices found bruises and scratches all over the woman’s arm and neck when they responded to the call for help.

The California penal code defines abuse as “intentionally or recklessly causing or attempting to cause bodily injury, or placing another person in reasonable apprehension of imminent, serious bodily injury to himself, herself or another”. Domestic violence in California can refer to violence between spouses, partners, former partners or spouses, children, individuals involved in a dating relationship, or elder abuse.

Continue reading "Fresno Businessman Held in Woman’s Beating" »

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There has been an arrest in the case of two Highland Park boys who were shot and killed in Piedmont Park on March 13th. Authorities have arrested an 18-year-old and charged him with two counts of murder in California with the special circumstance of multiple murders, according to a published report in LA Times online.

The arrests come after 4 months of investigations following the tragic shootings. According to authorities, someone from the community had stepped forward and accused the teen, a documented member of the Dogtown gang whose street monikers include the name "Shorty."

The shootings occurred when the two boys, a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old, were walking home from Piedmont Park near the Highland Park Recreation Center. A gang member confronted them, which lead to an altercation. That is when the gang member called for help. Homicide Det. said another gang member ran to the scene and then pulled a handgun and shot the two boys.

Although authorities have someone in custody, they need more individuals to come forward to insure prosecution. Commanding officer of the northeast police division was quoted as pleading with the public:

"Many people saw this crime, many, many. We would like them to come forward," he said. "Please help us get a conviction on this man for this heinous crime," he said. "Let's put him away for a long time, if not forever."

Continue reading "Public Aid Sought in Double Murder Prosecution" »

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In the early morning of Saturday, June 25, 2009, a seventeen year old female student was discovered dead in the passenger seat of her car, which was parked in a lot on the edge of Downtown Los Angeles at the corner of Alameda and 5th street. According to an article, her death is currently being investigated as a homicide in which a fifty year old parolee has been charged with murder in Los Angeles after his fingerprints were found in the teen’s vehicle.

Apparently, the parolee approached the teen and kidnapped her in an attempt to have her access money from an ATM using her credit card. Police claimed there were signs of struggle inside the teen’s car and the initial cause of death reported was said to be blunt force trauma. The teenage girl left her Los Feliz home on Friday at 2pm to run an errand at the Southwestern University School of Law but sadly never made it back home.

The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program defines homicide as the “willful (non-negligent) killing of one human being by another.” Anyone facing a homicide conviction in California must prepare for some of the most severe penalties a person can be charged with. Based on highlights from the California Office of the Attorney General’s 2006 homicide report, there were 665 individuals by the end of 2006 under sentence of death in California for being convicted of murder in which of these persons seventeen were sentenced.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Murder of Teenage Girl" »

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An orange county man who was convicted of poisoning his wife has died in prison at the age of 81, according to a published LA Times report. The highly publicized California murder trial occurred in the late 80’s and gripped the nation with its headlines.

The decedent’s trial involved the story of a couple who was married 19 years but was anything but perfect. According to evidence presented by the prosecution, the marriage was filled with lies, mistrust, infidelity and eventually murder. The prosecution alleged that the husband was extremely jealous of his beautiful wife, who was a popular school board member in the community. He suspected her of cheating on him and by all accounts was unhappy in his marriage. She refused divorce, however, so he allegedly took matters into his own hands.

The prosecution alleged that he began to poison his wife by slowly exposing her to toxic levels of cyanide and selenium. The exposure caused the woman to suffer from dehydration and lesions on her body that were so painful that she could hardly bear to move around, having to endure the pain of having them rub against her clothing. She died on Jan. 24, 1988, leaving behind her son.

Continue reading "Man Convicted of Fatally Poisoning his Wife Dies at the Age of 81" »

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The latimes.com website reported in an article on June 6, 2009 that Wendy DeRodio, 61 was found dead in a house she shared with her elderly parents. Shockingly, this homicide in California comes just two weeks after a couple were also stabbed and killed in their home after encountering an intruder.

A neighbor who asked not to be identified said, “Everyone’s on guard. Everyone’s wondering what will happen next.”

Will Hoag, a retired Ventura County personnel manager who has lived in the Ventura Keys for 36 years said, “I don’t want to sit in fear with the doors closed.”

Investigators are trying to figure out whether the two violent crime scenes are connected. Capt. Ross Bonfiglio said, “Victims with multiple stab wounds in beachfront-type residences: Those are obvious similarities that cause us concern.”

Rick Harmon, the victim’s dance partner said, “She loved to laugh. We taught a beginner’s class before the Friday night dances. She was a playful dance partner who always liked to do things to throw me off.”

The concern of law enforcement agencies to find solutions to crime and public safety issues is something that every U.S. citizen can appreciate. Another important matter in our society is that those accused of crimes receive a fair trial and have their constitutional rights upheld during an arrest, investigation, and in court.

Continue reading "Ventura Women Stabbed to Death in Home" »

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The latimes.com website reported in an account on June 9th, 2009 that Nel Rasmussen, father of Sherri Rae Rasmussen had told investigators about an “ex-girlfriend” who was in the LAPD and had threatened his daughter several times shortly before she was found beaten and shot to death in her apartment.

According to the family’s lawyer, Rasmussen’s appeals were disregarded by detectives and they followed other possibilities to how Sherri was murdered.

Detectives are opening up thousands of old homicide files in an attempt to solve them using modern technology. After opening the investigation, detectives again interviewed Rasmussen. He reiterated that he suspected a former girlfriend who was a police officer of killing his daughter. Prosecutors have now charged Detective Stephanie Lazarus 49, with capital murder, which makes her eligible for the death penalty. Now Rasmussen is asking for a separate investigation into how the LAPD originally handled the case.

According to the report, investigators secretly followed Lazarus to a store, where they recovered a plastic utensil containing her saliva. According to the police, the DNA taken from the saliva matched DNA evidence found at the crime scene.

Homicide charges carry the most severe punishments in the state of California. In fact, recent U.S. laws have been passed that will increase the mandatory minimum sentences that will apply to people who are convicted of committing certain violent crimes. If you have been arrested for carrying out a violent crime in Los Angeles, you may be looking at a prison term of 25 years to life.

Continue reading "23 Years after Murder, LAPD Female Detective Faces Charges" »

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The latimes.com website reported in a story on June 11, 2009 that a 13 year old Oxnard teenager was shot multiple times and killed on a street corner in Oxnard.

David Keith, Oxnard Police spokesman, said that the teenager was walking toward the corner sometime before 8 p.m. when he was shot in this violent crime. He was rushed to St. John’s Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead just about an hour later.

Dozens of police officers were searching the neighborhood and interviewing neighbors in an attempt to figure out what happened. Keith stated that police have no motive for the shooting and have made no arrests. They urge that anyone with information contact the Oxnard police department.

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A latimes.com article reported on May 8, 2009 that a former bakery handyman has confessed to fatally shooting a writer who was writing about the bakery’s financial troubles in addition to also killing another man just a few weeks earlier. Devaughndre Broussard, 21, entered his admission to two counts of voluntary manslaughter in California as part of an arrangement with prosecutors. Broussard confessed to killing Oakland Post editor Chauncey Bailey and another man.

Family members of Baily, sat present in Alameda County Superior Court, as Broussard told Superior Court Judge Morris Jacobson that he was guilty of manslaughter in Bailey’s death.

The agreement worked with prosecutors requires that Broussard be sentenced to 25 years in prison in exchange for his declaration against two other bakery employees. Broussard has testified in front of a grand jury that Yusuf Bey IV, leader of the now non-operational Your Black Muslim Bakery, ordered the hit on Bailey and Roberson. The confession stated that Antoine Mackey, bakery associate, was the getaway driver. Both will be in court to enter their pleas to murder charges.

According to Broussard Big financial rewards were promised to him for carrying out the shootings.

Aundra Dixon, 42, said, “I felt he was being responsible. He was taking responsibility for what he had done.”

An institution in Oakland’s black community for more than 40 years, Your Black Muslim Bakery, has operated a bakery, school, and provided security. Recently bakery associates including Bey, have been blamed for several crimes, including a string of vandalism on liquor stores in 2005 and the kidnapping and torture of two women in 2007.

Homicide charges in California are considered the most severe and can carry heavy jail time along with fees. Do not attempt to fight these charges on your own. The law offices of Lawrence Wolf have been helping their clients accused of violent crimes for over 30 years. If you are being charged with a violent crime in Los Angeles, the skilled Los Angeles violent crime defense lawyers at the law offices of Lawrence Wolf will fight for your rights. Please call 1-866-390-7373 for a free consultation.

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The latimes.com website reported in a story on May 10, 2009 that a Corona man Amado Esqueda, 39 was arrested for murdering his daughters; a 2 month old and a 6 year old. Esqueda also assaulted his wife, seriously injuring her. According to police reports, Esqueda attacked the family in their home at the 700 block of Via Paraiso. When police and emergency personnel arrived they tried desperately to save the girls, but were unsuccessful and the children were pronounced dead soon after arriving at Corona Regional Medical Center. Irene Gonzalez, the 33 year old mother, was listed in serious condition.

Esqueda suffered stab wounds and was in listed in stable condition at Riverside County Regional Medical Center. Jerry Pawluczenko reported that Esqueda was charged with homicide in Riverside.

Neighbor, Gregg Bernhard, 42, lives two doors down in the normally quiet neighborhood said that about 2:30 a.m. he was awoken by a women screaming. Bernhard said, “It went on for 10 minutes, off and on. It was bad, I couldn’t sleep. I didn’t know it was so close.”

Bernhard said he had never heard of any violent crimes happening on his tree lined street of Mediterranean style homes. Many neighbors also reported that the Esqueda family would have backyard barbecues and never showed any signs of trouble.

Family disputes affect everyone involved, especially when a violent crime occurs. Homicide is a serious offense that carries the most severe punishment the law can enforce on an individual. If you are being accused of homicide in California, the skilled Riverside criminal defense attorneys at the Law Office’s of Lawrence Wolf can help you fight for your freedom. They have been helping their clients accused of violent crimes for over 30 years and have extensive knowledge of the law and court system. Please call 1-866-390-7373 for a free consultation.

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A latimes.com website account from May 11, 2009 reported that Belinda Magana, 23 and Naresh Narine, 36 were detained by Corona police after authorities found the missing 2 year old toddler’s body in San Bernardino County. The boy’s mother had reported that the toddler had been abducted. She was then was arrested, suspected of having a connection with the death of the boy. Rene Tarkington, Corona police spokeswoman, reported that the mother was booked on suspicion of child abuse and being an accessory to murder in San Bernardino. Narine, the boyfriend, was booked on suspicion of murder, torture and child abuse causing injury or death.

The boy was last seen on Sunday evening while attending a family gathering in Celebration of Mother’s Day at Lincoln Park in Corona. Immediately after the boy was reported missing, neighborhood fliers, and air and ground searches came up with nothing. Investigators then turned their attention to the mother and the boyfriend.

Mark Johnson, Corona Police Lt., said, “Early on in the investigation, things weren’t adding up." The toddler’s body was found about 35 miles north buried in the Lytle Creek area.

It is an unfortunate reality that tragic crimes occur around us at all times. If you or a loved one has been accused of any type of violent crime, you still have rights and need the help of a top San Bernardino criminal defense lawyer. At the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf, we have successfully helped our clients for 30 years. Please call 1-866-390-7373 for a free consultation.

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The website hbindependent.com reported in an account on April 9, 2009 that Fountain Valley police were able to make Mary Katheryn Sharpski, 46 confess during a police interview to conspiracy in a plot to murder her husband with a machete. Mary Sharpski’s lover and tenant, Michael Calvin Shores II, 39, and Antonio Cinco Ortega, 23, of Santa Ana are also being charged with plotting to kill Frank Sharpski.

According to authorities, Mary Sharpski revealed her husband’s daily routes and offered to pay Ortega, who owns a personal knife collection, for the murder. Ortega was employed as a meat clerk at Stater Bros. in Huntington Beach.

Prosecutors stated that Shores was a tenant in the Sharpski’s home for a year, and both he and Mary Sharpski intended to live together with her three children “as a family”, after her husband had been eliminated.

The attack took place in March, 2008 when Ortega attacked Frank Sharpski outside his apartment in the 17300 block of Euclid Street. Ortega sliced him with a machete and is accused of “fracturing the victim’s skull, severing a thumb and fingers, partly severing his nose, causing several machete wounds, and leaving him to die.”

Authorities allege that Ortega left forensic evidence at the scene of the crime, which assisted officers with their investigation. All three cohorts are charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit a crime and mayhem, including a sentencing enhancement for great bodily injury; and an additional enhancement for the personal use of a deadly weapon for Ortega.

There are various types of homicide, which carry with them different penalties and consequences. For over 30 years, the Los Angeles violent crime defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf have been successfully defending the rights of clients accused of various felony and misdemeanor violent crimes. In the State of California, all violent crimes are severely punished. If you have been arrested for or charged with committing a violent crime in California, you should contact an experienced California criminal defense attorney at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf. They have established relationships with Judges and District Attorneys in Los Angeles, Orange, Sacramento and Ventura Counties. Please call 1-866-390-7373 for free consultation.

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The website abcnews.com reported in a story on April 12, 2009 that Melissa Huckaby, 28, a Sunday school teacher, had been arrested for the California murder of Sandra Cantu, an 8 year old girl from Tracy, California. Cantu was a playmate of Huckaby’s daughter. Cantu’s body was found inside a suitcase in a dairy farm pond. Authorities arrested Huckaby after she admitted to police that she owned the suitcase in which Cantu’s body was found.

Tony Sheneman of the Tracy police department said, “I couldn’t begin to even theorize what her motive is. The outcome is is beyond explanation.”

Cantu’s mother Maria Chavez, 41 asked her sister Angie Chavez, “How could another mother do this to another child?”

Huckaby gave an interview to the Tracy Press, and stated that she did own a large, black, rolling suitcase but it had been stolen that day Cantu disappeared.

Sheneman stated that Huckaby was questioned and was first “calm, cool, and collected,” then “became very emotional, then was calm again and then became resigned to what was happening.” Police did not disclose how Cantu was killed.

Mary Jones, who claimed to have known Huckaby since she was a little girl and in disbelief of the charges said, “That would shock me greatly, if it were true. That's not the Melissa I know. It doesn't fit in with her or the family at all. The family is basically Baptist, totally churchgoing folks.”

All violent crimes in California are severely punished. In fact, recent U.S. laws have been passed that will increase the mandatory minimum sentences that will apply to people who are convicted of committing certain violent crimes. If you have been arrested for carrying out a violent crime in Los Angeles you may be looking at a prison term of 25 years to life. Do not fight these charges on your own. Please call a skilled Los Angeles violent crime defense attorney at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf at 1-866-390-7373 for a free consultation.

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The latimes.com website reported in an article on April 13, 2009 that music producer Phil Spector, 69 was found guilty of second degree murder in California of actress Lana Clarkson. The shooting took place six year ago. A Los Angeles Superior Court jury came to its verdict after nine days of deliberation. This is the second trial. The first jury ended deadlocked, 10 out of the 12 jurors in favor of guilt.

Spector gained fame after working with musical bands including the Righteous Brothers, the Beatles, and Tina Turner. When sentenced, Spector faces a minimum of 18 years in prison. The jury concluded that Spector murdered Clarkson, who was a tall blond actress, in February 2003 just hours after he met her.

During the trial which began in October, Spector was described by the prosecution as being a brutal women hater who had a track record of more than three decades of playing Russian roulette with women when intoxicated.

In summation, a prosecutor said, “By the grace of God, five other women got the empty chamber and lived to tell. Lena just happened to be the sixth woman who got the bullet.”

Spector’s lawyers argued that Clarkson had killed herself. The defense claimed that Clarkson was depressed about her unsuccessful career and money problems leading to her shooting herself after drinking with Spector.

If you have been accused of a violent crime in California, you need to hire an aggressive and Los Angeles violent crime defense attorney. At the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf, their criminal defense lawyers have the experience and knowledge that are required to defend even the most challenging violent crime case. Do not attempt to represent yourself, there is just too much at risk! Please call 1-866-390-7373 for a free consultation.

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According to reports, on April 12, 2009 two unidentified men, one appearing to be in his mid fifties and the second appearing to be in his mid twenties, were shot. Lt. Paul Vernon, head of detective for the LAPD’s Central Police Division said, “The motive for the shooting is not clear. And, while this may have happened on Skid Row, the crime had nothing to do with the homeless. These types of disputes tend to be about drugs and money."

According to police reports, they received a call around 5 a.m. of shots fired at the Lamp Lodge, located at 630 S. Stanford Street. Upon arrival paramedics pronounced both men dead. The two murders in Los Angeles are the first in downtown for 2009.

Vernon said, "Twenty years ago we would have seen scores of these killings in a year. But last year closed with only six homicides."

Police records show that almost 6,000 Los Angeles drug crime narcotics arrests were made in downtown for year 2008, mostly on Skid Row.

Vernon added, “We find far fewer guns downtown now that the criminal element has found it's harder to work here. That's made Skid Row safer for everyone."

Police urge anyone with information to call Central Area Detectives at 213 842-0727.

If you are facing a violent crime charge in Los Angeles, including homicide, it is imperative you contact a skilled attorney, as these are absolutely serious charges, with equally serious repercussions. At the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf, their Los Angeles violent crime defense attorneys aggressively defend the rights their clients, and are nationally recognized for their successful case outcomes. For over three decades their defense lawyers have successfully defended clients charged with various felony and misdemeanor charges, and they may be able to help you in your time of need. Please call 1-866-390-7373 for a free consultation.

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The website burbankleader.com reported in an account on April 12, 2009 that Bella Stepanyan, 26 was in Pasadena Superior Court where she pled not guilty to the slaying of Jasmine Voskanian, 49. According to authorities, Voskanian was killed with gun shot to the head when she answered the door bell or knock to her front door. Jane Robinson, Los Angeles County district attorney’s office spokeswoman, said that Stepanyan faces one count of murder in Los Angeles with a special allegation of lying in wait.

Authorities claim that Stepanyan plotted the murder and that Armen Mangasaryan, 29 was the actual shooter, and the third suspect apprehended Arrpiar Terrgalstanyan, 20 was present when murder took place. Both men were arrested the same week of the murder and have also pled not guilty. The three suspects are believed to have known Voskanian because of an overdue money debt.

Voskanian’s boyfriend was inside the home when the murder happened and he immediately called paramedics but they were unable to resuscitate her and she was pronounced dead at the house.

All three suspects could face life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty if found guilty.

Homicide is amongst the most severe California violent crimes in which one person kills another person. If you have been arrested for, or charged with homicide in California, you may be facing very serious consequences and should hire an aggressive and experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer from the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf immediately. There is a lot at stake, and depending upon your situation, you may be facing a life sentence. You are in desperate need of accomplished and skilled legal representation. Do not attempt to represent yourself, there is just too much at risk. Please call 1-866-390-7373 for a free consultation.

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The surfsantamonica.com reported in a story on March 9, 2009 that Adel Chapel, 24 is the suspect in the death of Denise Figueroa, 22. Chapel is from Santa Monica and was already in custody for suspicion of carjacking. Police investigators also believe that he is behind several violent crimes in the San Fernando Valley. According to police, Figueroa was in a relationship with Chapel.

KTLA-TV Fox affiliate in Los Angeles received an anonymous fax that led investigators to the woman’s body. It was addressed “To whom it may concern” and signed by “someone trying to help.” Investigators say that the letter said a murder had occurred on February 28 and gave a description of the area where the car could be located. Police found Figueroa’s body in the truck of her vehicle that had been parked in the 11700 block of Hortense Street. Figueroa had been reported missing by her mother on the same day she left her North Hills home and never returned. Investigators said an autopsy was to be performed for this terrible violent crime in Los Angeles.

Homicide is a situation in which one person kills another person. If you have been arrested for, or charged with homicide in California, you may be facing very serious consequences and should hire an aggressive and skilled Los Angeles homicide defense lawyer right away.

At the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf, their top criminal defense lawyers in California have the experience and knowledge that are required to defend even the most challenging violent crime case. Do not attempt to represent yourself, there is just too much at risk! Please call 1-866-390-7373 for a free consultation.

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The dailytrojan.com reported in a story on March 11, 2009 that Travion Ford, suspect in the September 2008 murder of USC student Bryan Frost, pleaded not guilty to one count of murder in Los Angeles. Ford sat in Los Angeles Superior court for his arraignment. Ford’s defense team led by Diane Butko suggested that they will need more time than 60 days to prepare for trial.

Allegations of personal use of a deadly and dangerous weapon charges in California during his arraignment were denied by Ford.

Kennes Ma, Deputy District Attorney, said, “After the preliminary hearing the case goes to trial court. This court now has jurisdiction. It’s a brand new process.”

Judith Champagne, Judge, set the pretrial hearing date for April 9. During this hearing, the prosecution and defense will swap information and motions. The law mandates that Ford has the right to be tried in court within 60 days. The prosecution and defense will continue to trade information until then.

Ma, said, “During that time we will be exchanging different types of motions and discoveries.”

Continue reading "USC Student Murder Trial Defendant Pleads Not Guilty" »

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The dailytrojan.com reported in an account on February 11, 2009 that two suspects have been arrested in connection with the October shooting of USC star track runner Bryshon Nellum. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office named Travon Reed of Los Angeles, and Horasio Kimbrough of Inglewood, each 21 years of age, as the shooters in this Los Angeles assault with a deadly weapon. John Flores, LAPD detective, said the suspects are believed to be in the Fruit Town Brims gang that is a wing of the Bloods.

As Nellum left Leonardo’s Night Club, he was shot several times in his hamstring and thigh in this Los Angeles violent crime.

Both suspects have been additionally charged with gun and gang enhancements that would increase their jail terms so they may possibly face 50 years to life.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Shooting Suspects Arrested In Connection with Attack of USC Track Star" »

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The latimes.com website reported in a story on February 11, 2009 that police announced that the two workers from Stanton mobile home sales were indeed shot to death at work last week. Matthew Frances Scott, 42 a salesman for the company from Costa Mesa, and Elizabeth Palmer, 49 secretary for the company from Fountain Valley were shot in the upper torso behind a desk at work in this violent crime in California.

Jim Amormino, Orange County Sheriff’s Department spokesperson said, “We believe this is not a random act.”

Palmer’s husband, Richard Palmer, who spoke and texted with his wife just before the murder said, “It must have been just before. It was just a normal, boring day at work.”

Continue reading "Orange County Mobile Home Homicide Involving Sales Workers " »

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The examiner.com website reported in an account on February 11, 2009 that the LAPD announced that a Gilberto Solano, 21 was shot and killed. About a quarter after 9 pm Solano was shot in the 6600 block of Laurel Canyon Boulevard. Upon arriving on the scene police officers found Solano with a gunshot to his chest. He was taken to a local hospital were he was pronounced dead shortly after. Crime scene investigators believe Solano got into a verbal argument with a rival gang member. When Solano walked away the suspect went to his car and got a gun then confronted Solano and shot him in this homicide in Los Angeles. Witnesses say the gunmen then ran to his car and fled the scene with an accomplice.

Police have no leads on either the car or suspect. They urge the public to contact them with any information on this case. Detective Richar Wheeler of the Homicide office can be reached at 818-623-4075.

Homicide is a situation in which one person kills another person. If you have been arrested for, or charged with homicide in Los Angeles you may be facing very serious consequences and should hire an aggressive and top Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer from the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf right away. There is a lot at stake, and depending upon your situation, you may be facing a life sentence, which is why you are in desperate need of accomplished and skilled legal representation. Please call 1-866-390-7373 for a free consultation.

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The cbs2.com website reported in an article that a judge will be deciding the fate of Ruben Becerrada, 45 on whether to send him to death row or life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of his girlfriend. According to court reports Superior Court Judge William R. Pounders will first decide whether Becerrada should receive a new trial as his defense attorney motioned.

Becerrada was tried last September for manslaughter of his girlfriend Maria Arevalo, 22 back in the year 2000. She had accused him of raping her in the year 1999 and was also found guilty by the jury for this crime. After she went to the authorities Becerrada threatened her and told her not to go to the authorities. Arevalo’s body was found in the trunk of her car. Becerrada was also found guilty of special circumstances relating to him killing a witness to a crime and murder during a kidnapping.

Beth Silverman, Deputy District Attorney, said Becerrada had knifed and choked his ex-girlfriend to “get rid of her because she was the sole witness against him and here is nothing, nothing that is more abhorrent … than the murder of a witness … it goes to the heart of our system of justice.”

Continue reading "Los Angeles Violent Crime Has Man Facing Death Penalty" »

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The Ventura County Star website reported in a story on January 20, 2009 that the heads-up action of bystanders thwarted an assault on Leonel Madrigal, 26 of Oxnard. According to witnesses, Filiberto Mata, 19 of Oxnard was intoxicated and got into a fight with Madrigal at about 9:30pm in the 1300 block of Commercial Avenue. It is said that the two men have a long standing feud, which resulted in this Ventura violent crime.

Oxnard police officer Edward reported that Mata pulled out a small gun from his waist and aimed it at Madrigal. It is not clear if the gun failed to work or if Mata was too intoxicated to handle the weapon properly. Nevertheless, he was unable to shoot it and only ejected several bullet rounds from the weapon that landed on the ground.

Madrigal was able to grapple the gun away, at which point Mata pulled out a knife. Madrigal suffered a minor cut to his hand but was able to wrestle the knife away. Once unarmed, bystanders rushed to restrain Mata until police arrived.

Continue reading "Oxnard Assault Suspect Restrained" »

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The Daily News website reported on January 15, that yet another innocent child, just 4 years old, died on the streets of Los Angeles as a result of gang violence. Roberto Lopez, Jr., 4 was walking with his sister on his way to a community center two houses down from their home when he was struck in the violent crime.

Serafin Gonzalez, the boy’s grandfather, who was inside the house said they were about to call in the kids for dinner when they heard gunshots. Gonzalez said his granddaughter came in crying “They hit Robert! They hit Robert!” Thinking it was a street fight he was not too alarmed. She then cried, “There’s blood in his mouth.” Gonzalez then ran to the boy.

Continue reading " LA Public Asked For Help To Find Killer Of 4 Year Old" »

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Staff writer for the Daily News website reported on January 15, 2009 that two men affiliated with the Latino street gang, Canoga Park Alabama, are being charged with last month’s murder of an African American father of two. Martin Sotelo, 23 and Richard Bordelon, 21, each of Conoga Park, have been charged with the murder of James Shamp, 48 who was shot outside his work place on December 22 in this Los Angeles violent crime. Police say the attack was racially motivated, potentially making Bordelon and Sotelo eligible for the death penalty.

According to police reports, Shamp, who had been an employee at Canoga Park bowl for 7 years, was emptying the trash in the back ally when he was shot in this violent crime. A car with several people in it rolled up and opened fire on Shamp.

Detetective Dave Peteque said, “It was 100 percent racially motivated. I can’t say anything, but it’ll come out in court.”

Continue reading "Canoga Park Men Charged With Hate Killing" »

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The Daily News website reported on January 20, 2009 that a 33 year old Inglewood police officer was shot while standing next to his car on the 500 block of West Hyde Park Boulevard sometime around midnight. According to the authorities, the gunshots came from a vehicle described as a white Toyota Camry. The unidentified officer returned fire, but it was not known if anyone in the vehicle was struck.

Police Lt. Mike McBride stated that the police officer was in “stable but guarded condition.” It is not entirely clear why the police officer was at that location, but early reports indicate that the officer was there on personal business when the vehicle pulled up and shot him. Police have no motive for the shooting and they are investigating the Los Angeles violent crime. Police urged that anyone with information please call 1 888 41-CRIME.

Continue reading "Inglewood Off-duty Police Officer Shot" »

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The Ventura County Star website reported on January 20, 2009 that the identity of a man, who was stabbed and later died from those wounds, was 28 year old Alfredo Vargas from Oxnard. According to reports, Vargas was attending a birthday party in the 2700 block of El Dorado Avenue. Vargas was among numerous guests in the apartment courtyard when witness accounts claim that a group described as gang members rushed in and began to shoot and stab people at around 8 pm in this California violent crime.

Upon arrival, police found two people with stab wounds. Police stated that the men also shot at an apartment, but fortunately no one was struck. Police believe the assailants in this Ventura violent crime fled the scene in two vehicles. One vehicle is described as a dark colored pickup truck and the other vehicle is described as a tan or silver compact car.

Continue reading "Oxnard Stabbing Victim Identified" »

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Reported on the Daily News website on January 20, 2009 was an account of a man in his 40s being fatally shot on the 4000 block of Stevely Avenue sometime before 6:30 am. Julianne Sohn, Police Media Relations, said that police responded to a call of an assault with a deadly weapon.

A woman, who was not identified other than being in her 40s, was stabbed and taken to a local hospital where her condition is unknown. The man who was shot and killed in this LA violent crime was not identified because his relatives had yet to be notified. Details are cloudy at the moment with KTLA news channel 5 reporting that a man and two women were shot.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Man In 40s Shot and Killed" »

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New Gang and Gun Laws Approved

The Los Angeles CBS affiliate, channel 2, reported on December 8, 2008 that the Los Angeles city council committee has preliminarily approved seven city laws intended to suppress gang and gun hostility in the city. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and city council members introduced the proposals in June. It was a partnership showing between local and federal law enforcement organizations to attack gangs and gun related crime in Los Angeles.

The Public Safety Committee ordinances, if approved, would: permit landlords to throw out tenants who illegally posses firearms on the residence or within 1,000 feet of the property; forbid the sale of .50 caliber ammunition and cartridges; also force ammunition vendors to be licensed; allow the confiscation of vehicles used by gang members while committing a crime; calls for face to face transactions and record keeping for all ammo sales; forbids secret compartments in vehicles to conceal firearms; and mandates gun vendors to conduct inventories and report the inventories to the Los Angeles police department.

Councilman Jack Weiss, chair of the Public Safety Committee said, “it is comprehensive and it covers apartments, cars, guns, ammunition. "It's the right way to attack these problems, to be comprehensive in scope and to be comprehensive in terms of support," he said. "This is truly a gun control package that has been generated by and has support from the entire city." According to the LAPD 93 percent of gang related murders are committed with a firearm.

In the State of California, all violent crimes are severely punished. If you or a loved have been accused of a violent crime in California contact the experienced Los Angeles violent crime defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf who will fight to make sure all your rights and options are exercised. Please call 1-866-390-7373 for a free consultation.

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Los Angeles Times reporter Phil Willon reported on December 12, 2008 that the petition efforts to get what is being called “Jamiels Law” onto the ballot for this coming May’s election has come up drastically short of the required signatures. The measure would change the Los Angeles Police Department’s Special Order 40, that forbids officers from beginning any contact with people for the sole reason of finding out if that person is an illegal immigrant. Jamiels Law would allow police to arrest illegal immigrants exclusively because they are in the country illegally.

Jamiel Shaw II was a high school football player when he was shot and killed in March by an illegal immigrant. Althea Shaw, 47, aunt of Jamiel and lead proponent of the ballot measure claimed to have turned in more than 76,000 petition signatures to city election officials before the December 12th deadline. Election officials said they had only tallied 18,559 signatures, while 73,963 are required. “We’re not going to stop,” said Shaw, “We can’t bring my nephew back, so we’re going to keep fighting. We have to.” Next for Shaw will be an attempt to place the measure on the Los Angeles County’s November poll. If that is successful Shaw plans to organize a campaign to add it statewide with a voter proposal in California’s 2010 election. "There's no one watching the city," Shaw alleged. "We're forced to take the word from a city that doesn't even want to talk about illegal immigration." Immigrant rights advocates say this law would open the door for police racial profiling and Chief Bratton says the police already report violent gang members to immigration authorities.

The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf are knowledgeable and experienced violent crime lawyers in Los Angeles. In the State of California, all violent crimes are severely punished. In fact, recent U.S. laws have been passed that will increase the mandatory minimum sentences that will apply to people who are convicted of committing certain violent crimes. If you have been arrested for carrying out a violent crime, you may be looking at a prison term of 25 years to life. Please call 1-866-390-7373 for a free consultation.

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The CBS affiliate in Los Angeles reported on December 2, 2008 that Ron Martinez 41, was arrested in connection with the murder of his ex girlfriend Karyn Kleine 42, of Palm Springs. Initially the case started with her disappearance March 10, 2007, where at that time Martinez was no where to be found. Palm Spring authorities have now arrested Martinez and filed California murder charges against him for her murder. Martinez was arrested November 15, 2008 in Nevada and is being held at the Indio jail.

According to officials evidence was discovered inside Kleine’s car connecting Martinez to her disappearance. Martinez quit his job a short time after Kleine’s disappearance. Kleine’s body was found partially buried in a dirt field off Farrell Drive and Tachevah Road in Palm Springs by a resident who was walking his dog. Officials say evidence of foul play was found at the scene. Last December authorities found and questioned Martinez who denied any involvement with Kleine’s disappearance and gave conflicting statements.

Authorities believe Kleine and Martinez broke up approximately two weeks before she went missing. Neighbors tell officials that loud arguments could be heard emanating from the couples residence often.

Personal conflicts between loved ones are always a very sensitive matter to all involved. The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf have a long history of successfully handling the defense of clients charged with ALL domestic violence matters in California. The California penal code defines abuse as “intentionally or recklessly causing or attempting to cause bodily injury, or placing another person in reasonable apprehension of imminent, serious bodily injury to himself, herself or another”. Do not attempt to fight these charges on your own. The Los Angeles domestic violence attorneys at The Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf can and will help you win your case. Please call 1-866-390-7373 for a free consultation.

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Hollywood Producer Arrested on Suspicion of Domestic Violence

Former host of television show “Soul Train,” Don Cornelius, was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence at his Hollywood Hills home on October 18, 2008, according to a CNN report. Police were called to the 72-year-old producer’s home after someone called to report a domestic dispute. Cornelius was arrested and booked for investigation of a felony domestic violence. It is not clear who Cornelius assaulted or injured, officials said.

California Penal Code defines abuse as “intentionally or recklessly causing or attempting to cause bodily injury, or placing another person in reasonable apprehension of imminent, serious bodily injury to himself, herself or another.” Domestic violence usually refers to violence that occurs between spouses, partners, ex-partners or spouses, children, individuals who are involved in a dating relationship or elder abuse.

An incident does not necessarily have to occur in a home for it to be considered domestic violence in California. It can occur inside a vehicle, at a bar or restaurant, at work, over the phone or even on the Internet. Many don’t realize that there is no need for physical evidence of abuse for someone to be charged with domestic violence. Abuse can be of different types – verbal, emotional and even psychological.

The consequences of a domestic violence conviction can be very serious. If you or someone you know has been accused of domestic violence, please call a Los Angeles domestic violence attorney at the Law Office of Lawrence Wolf to get the counsel and guidance you need at this time to protect your rights and freedom.

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Moorpark Men Arrested on Suspicion of Assault, Attempted Robbery

Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested two men in connection with an attack and robbery attempt in the parking lot of a local Target store, the Ventura County Star reports. Police arrested 21-year-old Jeffrey De Paz and Henry Perez, 22 – both of Moorpark – on suspicion of witness intimidation, battery and attempted robbery in Ventura County.

The two men are accused of attacking 18-year-old Javier Felix of Fillmore and David Polito, 20 of Moorpark at the Target store in the 800 block of East Los Angeles Avenue in Moorpark, the report states. Perez and De Paz allegedly attacked the men, demanded money from Polito and threatened to hurt him if he called the police. De Paz and Perez left the scene in a vehicle, which deputies found at Miller Park near Highway 118. Both the alleged assailants were arrested after police searched the park.

Continue reading "Assault and Attempted Robbery Charges Filed against 2 Moorpark Men" »

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Does a death in a staged accident equal murder?

In the first of its kind prosecution, a personal injury attorney, tried for the accidental death occurring during a staged accident ended in a mistrial. Bold new theories of second degree murder under a new theory of “vicarious liability” are being tested. See People v. Antick, 15 Cal.3d 79 @ p.86 (1975), Taylor v. Superior Court, 3 Cal.3d 578, 584 (1970), People v. Gilbert, 63 Cal.2d 690, 704 (1965). Call me for updates.

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A recent story in the LA Times details a story about two Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton who will be arraigned on Friday, July 25th on charges of murder. Authorities believe that the two men shot a fellow Marine over stolen drug money.

Lance Cpl. Christian Carney, 21 of Manorville and Pvt. Alvin Lovely, 20 of Dallas are accused of killing Pvt. Stephen Serrano, 20 of El Dorado, Calif., on May 13 because they believed he had stolen money they had made while selling cocaine and ecstasy during their time at Camp Pendleton.

A third, unnamed marine, was taken to a secluded area of San Clemente, CA by Carney and Lovely and forced to divulge the identity of the thief who had stolen the money. Fearing for his life, the unidentified Marine named Serrano. Serrano was then taken out to the same secluded location and shot 4 times, his body was found 2 days later by a biker.

As always, it is of the utmost importance to remember that all of those accused of crimes in this country are presumed innocent until proven guilty. If the facts of this case, however, turn out to be accurate, this is a truly tragic story. What makes it even more shocking and regrettable is the fact that Marines are involved.

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Posted by Lawrence Wolf | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Violent Crimes

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